Cartridge-loading machine.



W. I. DONALDSON.

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DB(J.1, 1906.

Patented Sept. 29, 1908.

v 6 SHEETSSHEET 1.

,11 up I H II I nu W. I. DONALDSON.

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.1, 1906.

Patented Sept. 29, 1908.

W. I. DONALDSON.

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE.

APPLIGATION FILED DEO.1, 1906.

Patented Sept. 29, 1908.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INVEN To vww'm' 9, 0&0; w...

W. I. DONALDSON.

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.1, 1906.

899,592,, Patented Se t- 29, 1908.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

W. I. DONALDSON.

CARTRIDGE LOADING MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEG.1, 1906.

899,592, Patented Sept. 29, 1908.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

W/ TNESSES: Mm. %MZ

V'HlQui a m A TTORNEHS.

' V supporte of a part of the lower half of the'machine,

\ had to the accompanying drawings, which chine, partly in section, the folding mechanconnected through the ceiling with the part I through the lower half of the machine on \the nnirnn snares PATENT osi ion WILLIAM I. DONALDSON, OF PAULSBQRO, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO THEE. I. DU PONT DE CARTRIDGE-LOADING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Sept. 29, 1905.

Application filed December 1, 1906. Serial No. 346,908.

- cate the series of vertical loading plungers 13, which have a peculiar connection with the cross-head, as will be hereinafter explained. These plungers are each made in two or more sections and extend from the top of the machine in the upper story down through the floor to the story below, and operating devices'for these plungers are located in the up- To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAMI. DONALD- soN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Paulsboro, county of Gloucester, and State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Improvement in' Cartridge-Loading Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being form a art of this specification. The 0 ject of the invention is to provide a power-machine for loading paper shells with dynamite. non-metallic material.

The machine embodying the invention em 2) a single tamp is secured to and operated bodies many of the features shpwn in the pati by two plungers but this merely illustrates ent of Hiram P. Hall, No. 601,138, issued one of several modes of connecting the tamps, March 22, 1898, b as itis obvious, for instance, that-one'tamp may be secured to each plunger where the cartridges to be acked are smaller and twice as numerous. he connections between the plungers and tampsconsists of small tubular the loading of the dynamite is effected. The lower ends of the plungers are connected to tamps 130 made of'wood, rubber or other almost wholly automatic. I

In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 re resent on two sheets a front elevation of t e ma which the'upper ends of the tamps are inserted. The lower ends of the tamps lay through nipples 140 inv-the removable ot- 'tom of the dynamite receptacle 14 and peneing, and Fig. 2 showing the lower half of the trate the paper shells to be loaded, which machine, which, is on the floor below and is shells are held in a revolving or shell-holding drum 15 rotating about a horizontal axis.

onthe floor above. Fig. 3 1s a vertical se'c- (see also Fig. 7 tion through the devices for immediately ad. consists of the end heads 150 secured to thetuatin'g, locking and leveling the plungers. Fig. '4 is a side elevation of the upper art of the machine. Fig. 5 is a section'on t e line' 55 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a vertical section ismbeing omitted from Fig. 2; Fig.1,showing the u per half of the machine which is d upon an upper floor of the buildheads and the shuttles 1718, that directly hold the shells and that will be hereinafter more fully described. The shaft 16 is jour- "naled in bars'160 and 161 at opposite sides of line 77 of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a side elevation able in guides on the frame-work 100. This construction permits the drum 15 both to relookmg toward the right side of Fig.2. Fig volve and to be raised andlowered bodily. 9 is a side elevation of a part of the lowerhalf Th of the machine, looking toward the left hand side of Fig. 2.

The second story part of my machine comprises (see Fig. 1) a framework. 10 t in the lower portion of which is journaled a hori zontal shaft 11 driven by a pulley 110. On .the shaft 11 are eccentrics 111' (see also Fig.

engaging straps 112 connected to the cross-head- 12 by means of rods? 113. The cross-head 12 slides vertically on guides in shells from-the dischar e ni ples and ermit the framework 10. The described driving the drum tobe rotate Tli connections to the c oss-head 12 impart to it I tating, and imparting the stated -up-and each shuttle containing a series of shells to be to pnmit it to be raised when brought under t e tamps so as to cause the empty shells in the discharge nipples 140 in-the" o'ttom of the hp per 14; and the downward movement 0' the drum is to disengage the loaded an up-and-down reciprocation.

The office of the cross-head is to reciproper story away from the lower floor where successively brought beneath the loading In ,the drawings (Fig. I

sections 131 secured to the plungers and into the machine." fThese bars are vertically. slide revolution aboutits axis is to permit tamps the upward movement ofthedrum is v the shuttle tobe telescoped or slipped over Each shuttle, of which there are six, arranged radially of the drum axis, 18 comosed of a pair of bars 17 and 18 arranged etween the heads of the drum figprallel to its axis. One of the bars 17 is ed and the other, 18, is hinged at its inner end, and theycontain shell seats-having a series of channelsof semi-cylindrical shape arrangled exactly opposite toeach other, so that W en the two bars are brought together, cylindrical shellreceivin r cavities are formed. The bar 18 is rovide with. a disk 180, which forms the liottom of the shell-holdin cavity when the two bars are brought toget ier. On the outside of the hinged bar 18, near each end thereof, is an abutment 181, against which is adapted to bear a cam 19 on a stud turning in I bearings in the drum-heads 150, and opershells are turned down by means hereinafter frame.

described. In the subsequent movement of the drumfthe levers 190 engage fixed cams 20 secured to the frame work, which retracts the cams 19 and unlocks the bar 18. At the next turning 182 on the hingled bar 18 engage other fixed cams 200, whio positively retract the hinged bar 18 and allow the contained shells to all into the discharge trough 21.

It has been stated that the drum is raised before each loading operation and dropped after each loading operation, then turned a one-sixth turn and then again raised preparatory to thenext loading 0 eration and so on. After one series of she s is filled, the projecting outer edges of the shells are crimped and folded after the next u movement of the drum by the fol owing means (see Figs. 7 and 8). 1

. 22, 23 are olding bars extending outside the drum and parallel to its axis and movable radially of the drum axis in guides 61 on the The foldin bar 22carries a series of annular cup-shape folders, adapted, when the bar 22 is moved radially inwardly, to enga e the outer edges of the projecting outer ends of the shells and bend them inwardly. The foldin bar 23 supports a series of lungers 232 fitting within the annular f0 ders and adapted, when the folding bars 23 are moved inwardly, to strike the edges of the shell inturned by the folding bar 22 and complete the fold and shell upon its contents.

.sure in the cylinders gers 232 to complete the fold as described.

faces of the tamps.

not only is the dynamite thoroughly agitated, 100

movement of the drum, lugs. but the dynamite is prevented from sticking -main drlving shaft 1]..

ward

causes the latter to reciprocate the permanently close the The folding bars are actuated by the plunger 233 working in the cylinder 24, and secured to the cross-bar 23. Air under pressure is admitted to the cylinder 24 through the pipe 240. Secured to the foldingbar 22 are brackets 220 supporting cylinders 221, within which work plungers 231 attached to brackets, 230 on the "cross-bar 23. The. cylinders 221 are connected by the flexible pipe 222 with the pressure supply pipe 620. 5 As the lunger 233 moves radla ly inward, the folding bars 22 and 23 first move in together, and the folding bars 22 perform their initial folding operation. After the folding bars 22 contact with the shuttle, the folding bar-23 continues to move against the pres 221, causing the plun- To stir or agitate the dynamite within the receptacle 14 so as to maintain a uniform disg5 tribution of the dynamite within the hopper and maintain itin pro or condition to feed freely, there are provi ed two shafts 25 respectively, in front of and behind the series of tamps 130 (see Figs. 2 and 7). Secured 9 to each shaft are two series of radial fingers 250 on opposite sides of the shaft, the fingers of one serles being staggered with respect to the fingers of the other series. The fingers are of such length that they will just clear the 5 front and rear faces of tamps and are so disposedon each shaft that the projections 251 on the ends of the fingers just clear the side By this arrangement,

to thetam s. These shafts are removably secured at t e ends to boxes 253, 254, mount ed res ectively on shafts 257 258 journaled inthe rame. One of the two sh the medium of a s rocket chain 259 is driven from a sprocket w eel 50 (see Fig. 1) on the The shaft25 thus driven, drives the other shaft 25 by means of the igear'wheels 255, 256 (see Figs. 2 and 8).

T e means for actuating the plungers and tamps will now be described. As hereinbefore stated this is effected by the cross-head 121-This cross-headfsee Figs. 1, 3 and 6) has a series of square. channels for the reception of the plungers 13. Each channel has on one side a gib held in engagement with its corresponding plunger by means of. a spring 121 whosetension is so regulated by 120 set screws 122 as to give any desired degree of frictional contact. This frictional connection of the plungers with the cross-head lungers, but still leaves them independent t ereof so 125 they may slide through the cross-head.

At each downward stroke of the crosshead, the dynamite-packed at that stroke 4 causes the 1plungers .to rise somewhat with respectto t e cross-head, the plungers rising afts 258 has at 05 one end a sprocket wheel 252, which, through again moving down.

means of the cross-head ing dogger-pins 260 pressed outwardly by sponding plunger 13 as soon as the latter is raised, at the end of an upward stroke of the cross-head, to a height sufficient to cause the 7 pins 260 and orifices 135 to register. The

plunger is raised to this'height as soon as it has filled and packed its corresponding shell to a predetermined extent. After any one or more plungers are locked to the cross-head 26, the cross-head 12 reciprocates, without operating these plungers, until all the remainmg plungers .are raised to a similar height and similarly locked to the cross-head 26.

After all; the shells have been loaded and all the plungers locked to the cross-head 26, the

latter is moved laterally to withdraw -the dogger pins 260from the orifices in the plungers. his occurs at the end of the upstroke of the cross-head 12 and is effected automatically as will be hereinafter described; after the drum has brought a new series of em ty shells in line with the tamps.

hen the plungers, after being so unlocked from thecross-head 26, are carried down by the cross-head 12, it will be underi the desired distance at 55 have loaded the stood that the tamps are projected into the shells only the distance to which they are projected at the end of the previous loading to enable the tam s to y to the bottoms of the shells so as to properly pack the first charge of dynamite and then, as before described,\ be subsequently gradually forced-up with relation to the cross-head 12 as more and more dynamite is packed in the shells. To effect this result the plungers, at the first up-stroke of the cross-head 12 following the unlocking of the lungers, are

caused to be moved down wit relation to the cross-head 12 the distance necessary to cause the plungers to be, forced into the shells the succeeding down.- stroke of the cross-head 1 2. This is effected by moving into the'path of plungers impinge at the said up-stroke of the cross-head 12. After the cross-head 27 thus depressesall the plungers to a common level it is withdrawn from operative position and the locking'cro'ss-h ead 26 is moved into operative position so as to be ready to act upon the plungers, as beforedescribed, after they shells as before described.

This is effected by- 26 (see Fig. 5) carrythe plungers a. cross-head 27 against which the ends of the tions at the proper timesby automatic mechanism that will now be described.

The ends of the cross-heads 26 slide laterally in guides 28 on the frame 10 and the cross-head normally held in its operative position by pins 280 engaging orifices in the ends of the cross-head. S rings 281, interosed between the guide rame and crossliead, are effective to move the cross-head into its inoperative 280 are withdrawn.

The ends of the cross-head 27 slide laterally in guides 29 on the frame 10 and said cross-head is normally held in its inoperative positionv by pins 290 engaging orifices in the ends of said cross-head. rings 291, interposed between the guide-i' rame and crosshead, are eflective tov move the cross-head into its operative position whenv the pins 290 are withdrawn. I

Each pin 280 is'connected, by means of a link 282, with one end of a lever 30 ivoted, between its ends, to the frame 19. ach pin 290 is connected, by means of a link 292, with the other end of the corresponding leposition when the pins yer 30.

. ,31 is a shaft, extending between the opposite sides of the frame and hav ng arms 310 extending under the ends of levers 30 ad-- joining the links 282. By imparting a partial turn to the shaft 31, the levers 30 are rocked on their pivots, withdrawing the pins 280 from the cross-head 26, and the ins 290 from the cross-head 27. The sha t 31 is turned, at the end of the stated up-stroke of the cross-head, by thefollowing means (see Fig. 41). 1

32 is an arm on the shaft 311.

33 is anupright trippingbar on the crosshead 12.

320 is a lug or abutment adapted to slide on the arm 32. A spring 321, connecting the shaft 31 and lug 320 normally holds the lug toward the innerend of the arm. At

each up-stroke ofthe cross-head 12, the upper end of bar 33 moves under the outer end of arm 32 but does not move up far enough to operate it. When, however, the lug 320 is moved toward the outer end of arm '32 and inline of movement of the bar 33, the latter strikes the lug and o crates the arm 32, turning the shaft 31. he lug 320 is moved outwardly on the arm 32 by.means of a bellcrank lever 34 pivoted on the frame and actuated by a clyinder 35 connected with the pressure supply-pipe 350, the piston rod 340 of the cylinder 35 being connected with the" bell-crank. The I through pipe 750, with the pipe 510 hereinafter referred to. a Y

pipe 350 is connected It will now be understood that when it is desired, at the beginning of a loading operation, to unlock the plungers 13 from the crosshead 26 and depress the plungers to a coinmon level by means of the cross-head 27, air

pressure is admitted to the cylinder 35,

which, through the bell-crank 34, moves the lug 320 into position to enable the arm 33 on the cross-head 12 to strike the lug and turn the shaft 31, thus causing the arms 310 to rock the levers 30 and withdraw the pins 280 so that, during the next upward stro e of the cross-head 12, the plungers strike the crosshead 27 and are thus depressed to a common level as before described.

At the completion of the last stated upward stroke of the cross-head, the gross-head 26 is returned to its normal operative position and the cross-head 27 returned to its norv 38 and 39.

' engage the bell-cranks .36 and 37 respectively -'h means.

mal inoperative osition by the following 36 is a ell-crank pivoted to. the frame. One of its arms engages the side of the cross-head 26 o posite the spring 281. 37 is a second bel -crank pivoted to the frame and one arm of which engages the side of the cross-head 27 opposite the spring 291. 40 is a bracket on the cross-head 12. 38, 39 are upright arms on the bracket 40. When the cross-heads 26 and 27 are in their normal positions, springs 360 and 370, connecting respectively cross-head 26 and bell-crank 37, hold the outer arms of the bell-cranks up so that they just fail to be engaged by the arms But after the cross-heads 26 and 27 aremoved away from their normal positions, the outer ends of the bell cranks 36 and 37 are moved down so that, at the next up stroke of the cross-head, the arms 38 and 39 and return the cross-heads to their normal positions. As soon as the cross-heads are returned to their normal positions, the springs 41, interposed between' a bracket on the frame and the lever 30, return the latter to its normal position and force the pins 280 and 290 into enga ement with their respective cross-heads. in the meantime, the supply of air to the cylinder 35 has been cut off and the lug 320 has been withdrawn by spring 321 from above the bar 33,.so that, in v t e last stated up-stroke of the plunger, the bar 33 fails to turn the shaft 31 and the "rings 41 are thus free to operate as soon as e orifices in the cross-heads 26 and 27 are brought opposite the pins 280' and, 290.

The dynamite is conveyed. to a hopper 42 (see Fig. 7) communicating'with the receptacle 14 by means of a traveling apron 43 engaging the drum 440 on the shaft 44. On the shaft 44 is a pulley 441 which, by means of a belt 45, is driven from a whey 46 (see Fi I) on the main drivin s iaft 11. pu ley 46 is loose on its shaft but is clutched thereto by means of a friction clutch, one member 470 of which is connected, by arms 471, with a collar 47 feathered on the shaft, While the other member 460 is secured to the pulley 46. Pivotcd to the floor of the second story is a lever 48. Between its ends this lever is connected with the collar 47 and at its up er end the lever is attached to the pistonror 480 of a cylinder 49, communicating with a pipe 490. The pipe 490 is connected with the supply pipe 620 and is controlled by the handva ve 491.. When compressed air is admitted to thepipe 490, the lever 48 is operated to cause the clutch member 470 to engage the clutch-.member 460, thus causing the pulley 46 to turn with the shaft and transmit a movement of rotation to the shaft 44. This actuates the a non 43 and causes d ynamite to be conveyed therefrom into the hopper 42.

The following means-are provided to clevate the bars 1.60 and 161carrying the journals for the shaft 16 of the drum 15 (see Figs. 2 and 7). 51, 51, are cylinders on opposite sides of the frame. 510 is an air-supply pipe communicating with the cylinders. 52, 52, are pistons in said cylinders secured to the lower ends of bars 160 and 161 respectively. To compel the two ends of the drum shaft to move in unison, an equalizing device is provided consisting of a cross-shaft 53 turning in bearings in standards on the lower crossbeams 101 of the frame, gears 530, 530 on the ends of shaft 53, and racks 162, 162, on the bars 160 and 161 respectively, engaging the two gears respective y.

511 is a three-way valve in'the pipe 510 which may be turned to connect the pipe 510 with-either the supply valve 620 orthe exhaust .512, thus enabling the lifting and. dropping of the drum to be controlled by admitted to the cylinder 54 from the supply pipe 540- (see Fig. 8), forces up the plunger 55. The plunger 55 is connected by means of a link- 561, with a lever 560 pivoted on a pin in line with the end of the drum-shaft 16 and carrying a awl 56 engaging a ratchet wheel 57 on the rum-shaft. As the plunger 55 rises, the pawl 56 engages the ratchet57and turns the drum-shaft a sixth turn. supply of air to the cylinder 54 iscut off by means of a valve 541 on the pipe 540 which valve is so operated as the drum rises by means of pins 163 on'the bar 161 operating an-arm 542 secured to the valve 541. Then the drum is lowered, the valve 541 is operated The The

to again open the cylinder 54 to the pressure 581 by means of a spring 582, the block 581' bein the 59 is a bell-crank lever pivoted on the secured betweenthe upright posts of frame 100, the short horizontal arm of the bell-crank being in line of travel of the lever 58 in the upward movement of the bar 161 and the depending lower arm of the bellcrank resting a ainst. the pin 590 on the frame 100 and eing connected, by a link 601 with an arm 600 secured to the three way valve 60. The valve'60 is located at the junction of pipe 240 (which, as reviously described, supplies air to the cy 'nders 24 for actuating the folding bars 22and 23), the supply pipe 620; and the open exhaust 630. The pipe 620 is also connected, by pipes 640, with the cylinders 64 Whose plungers 641- are attached to projections 642 on the folding bar 23.

76 is a cylinder communicating, by pipe 760, with the pipe 240, and havin a plunger 602 attached to the arm 600. i s the bar 161 rises, the lever 5-8thereon actuates the bell-crank 59, which, through the link 601, moves the valve arm 600 \to operate the valve 60 and open communication from the supply pipe 620 to pipe 246 and clesethe'exhaust 630. Air is thus operated, as hereinbefore described, against the constant pressure in cylinders 64 and 221, the areas of whose piston heads are less 5 than the areas of the heads of plungers 233,

As the foldin movement, a ever 65, pivoted on the foldbars complete their inward ing bar 23 and extending through a guiding eye 650 on the frame,

of'lever 58 from under the horizontal arm of the bell-crank 59. The lunger 662 in c linder 76 then returns the i ever 600 and ya ve 60, as well as link 601 and'bell-crank 59, to their normal positions; thus closing communication between pipe 620 and pipe 240' and openin communication, between pipe 240 and ex aust pipe 630. The constant pressure in cylinders 64 thereupon becomes effective to operate the plungers 641-to return thefolding bars 23 and 22 to their inoperative positions. j

The mechanism for turning the drum and the mechanism for controllin the operation of the valve are contained within-a box 80 (seeFigs. 1 and 8) secured to the frame ame 100 and directly abovethe bar admitted to the cylinder 24, and the folding bars 23 and 22s in the box 71 strikes the lower end of the lever 58 and withdraws the upper end To prevent the drum 1 5 from moving more 9) a dog 66 carrying a pin 660 engaging a slot 670 ona plate 67 secured to the frame 100, the dogmoving vertically in guides in said plate. On the end of the drum shaft is a wheel having a rim 69 and lugs 68 secured sixty degrees apart to said rim. One of the jaws 661 of the dog 66 has a cam face adapted to be struck by a 66 until the lug 68 whereu locked ug 68, which lifts the dog on the dog 66 drops. The In 68 is rom'further movement by the on er rides beyond the jaw 661,

jaw 662 and is lprevented from receding 121 the jaw 66]. bus the drum shaft is from rotation and continues to be so held when the drum is lifted as before described, the dog 66 moving upwardly with the drum and its ap urtenances.

Pivoter to the plate 67 ping lever 70 the outer end of its short horizontal arm being in line with the pin 660 and beveled to permit the pin to strike, turn, and pass it as the do 66. moves up. The long vertical arm of-t e bell-crank is in line of travel of the pins 690 projectin laterally from the rims 69. When, after t e loading and folding operations, the drum is permitted to drop as above described, the dog 66 is prevented vfrom dropping by the pin 660 engaging the upper face .of the short horizontal arm of the bell-crank 70. The drum is a bell crank tripis thereupon unlocked from the dog 66 and free to be given another one-sixth turn, As

the drum turns, a pin 696 on the ring 69 engages the hanging arm of the bell crank 70 and turns the same to withdraw the short horizontal arm of the bell-crank from under the pin 660, whereupon the dog 66 drops and is in position to enga e the next lug.

Thedescribed mechanism for stopping the drum for moving beyond a sixth turn and for holdin the dfum-stationary during the folding an loading op erations'is contained w1th the frame 100. e

The dischar e trough 21 is secured to end bars 72, which are secured to levers 720 ivoted on studs 721 projecting inwardly rom the frame 100 (see Figs. 2, 7 and 9). Secured to the end bars 72 are arms '73 connected, by links 730, with a cross-bar 74. Secured to the middle of the cross-bar isa plunger 740 working in a cylinder 75 communlcating with a pipe 750, which in turn communicates with the pipe 510. When pressure is admitted to, the cyllnder 75, the plunger 740, through the connections described, lifts the discharge trough 21 into a position that enables the operator to remove the cartridges without the necessity of stoop- ,will be understood that when the valve (see Figs. 1 and 9) secured to 511 iseperated to admit ressure to the pipe 510 an cylinders 51. to ift the drum, pressure is simultaneously admitted tothe c 1111- der 35 (which'dictates the operatlon o the ,ing mechanism. is reset.

mechanism for first unlocking and then leveling the plungers) and also to the cylinder 75 (which causes the trough 21 to rise).-. Thus the operator can remove the loaded cartridges from the trough during the loading and folding operations. As the" drum completes its upward movement it operates the train of mechanism which operates valve 60 to admit pressure to the pi e 240 and cylin der 24, thus causing the fo ding mechanism to be actuated. After the folding mechanismis actuated, the folding mechanism itself unlocks the chain of mechanism holding the valves 60 in the last-named position and permits the pressure admitted to the cylinder76 from the pipe 240, to open the ipe 240 and cylmder 24 to the exhaust an .return the folding mechanism to inoperative position.

When the valve 511 is operated to connect cylinders 51, and 75 to the exhaust, the drum and trough drop and the plunger-lock- As the drum drops, it actuates the valve 54]. to admit pressure to the cylinder 54, thereby causing the drum to be gi en a sixth turn. Thus the cycle of operations is completed,

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is: 1

1'; In a machine for loading shells, the

I combination with a series of independent ing them to a common leve and into position. .for thenext loading operation. 4

plungers, of actuating mechanism therefor in yleldmg engagement therewith whereby the reciprocating plungers are operated in con-.

sonance with said actuating mechanism except when the encounter a predetermined resistance, 100 'ng mechanism adapted to lock each plunger when it is retracted to a definite extent and hold-it out of action,

means to disengage said locking mechanism from the plungers thereby unlocking them, leveling mechanism normally out of the path of travel of the plungers, and means to move said leveling mechanism into the path of travel of the lungers, thereby, in the upward movement 0 the unlocked lungers, depress- 2. In a machine for loading shells, the combmation with aseries of independent plungers, of actuating mechanism therefor in yielding engagement therewith whereby the plungers are operated in consonance with said actuating mechanism except when they encounter a predetermined resistance, level mg mechanism, normally out of the path of travel of theplungers, means, arranged to be operating while the plungers are in their forward position, to move said leveling mechanism laterally with respect to the direction of extension of the plungers and into their path of travel, thereby depressing them on their upward movement to a common level and into position for the next loading operation,

and means to thereafter restore the leveling mechanism to its normal position.

3. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of a cross-head yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance with t e cross-head except when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, locking mechanism adapted to independently lock each plunger from operation when it is retracted to a definite extent, means to move the locking mechanism into operative position, and a device moving wit 'ed to actuate said means.

4. Ina machine for loading shells, the combination with a series 'of independent plungers, of actuating mechanism therefor including means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechanism when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each lunger to hold it out of action when its sheil has been filled, means to withdraw said locking devices and permit said mechanism to aain actuate the plun er back and forth, leve ing meansto stop t e back movement of the plungers before the back movement of their actuating mechanism is completed, and means controlled by said actuatmg mechanism to move the leveling means out of operative position.

5. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of a cross-head yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance with t e cross-head except when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, locking mechanism adapted when in operative position to independently lock eac 1 plunger from operation when it is retracted to a definite extent, leveling mechanism adapted when in operative position to engage said plungers and move t rem to a common level, means to move the locking mechanism into operative position-and the leveling mechanism into inoperative position, and devices moving with the actuating cross-head adapted to actuate said means.

6. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of a cross-head yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance with t e cross-head except when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, a second cross-head, locking devices thereon adapted to engage the plungers when retracted to.a definlte extent the actuating cross-head adaptand hold them statiojnar means to release their respective holding means.

7. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent C plungers, of actuating mechanism therefor in yielding engagement therewith whereby the plungers are operated in cons'onance with said actuating mechanism except when they encounter a predetermined resistance, looking devices, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the plungers are retracted to a definite extent, a tension device tending to disengage said locking devices from their plun ers, means normally holding the locking (evices in operative position, leveling mechanism adapted when operative to limitthe backward movement of the lungers, a tension device tending to move t e leveling mechanism into 0 erative position, means normally holding tiie leveling mechanism in lnoperative position, and mechanism to disengage the lockin devices and leveling mechanism from t eir respective holding means.

8. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of actuating mechanism therefor in yielding engagement therewith whereby the plungers are operated in consonance with said actuating mechanism except when they encounter a predetermined resistance, leveling mechanism adapted to limit the backward movement of the plungers, a tension device tending to move the leveling mechanism into operativeposition, means normally holding the leveling mechanism inoperative Iposition, and mechanism to disengage the eveling mechanism from its holding means.

9. In a machinefor loading shells, thev combination with a series of independent plungers, of actuating mechanism thereforvin yielding engagement therewithwhereby the plungers are operated in consonance with said actuating mechanism except when they encounter a predetermined resistance, looking devices, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the plungers are retracted to a definite extent, a tension device tending-to disengage said locking devices from their plungers, means normally holding the locking devices in operative osition, and mechanism to disengage the sa1d locking devices from 10. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same' whereby the plungers are operated in consonance withtheiractuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a predeter mined resistance, ofa cross head, locking devices thereon, one2for each plunger, adapted to operate when-the plungers are retracted to a definite extent, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in o erative osition, means to disengage the 100 'ng pin rom the cross-head, and a tension device adapted to move said cross-head out of tion when said lockin pin is so disen aged.

-11. In a machine or loading shel s, the combination with a series of lndependent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechan- IS'III therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance with tieir actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, of a crosshead, lockingdevices thereon, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the lungers are retracted to a definite extent, aIockmg pin normally holding the cross-head in operative position, means operated b said actuating mechanism todisengage the ocking pin from the crosshead, and a tension device adapted to move said cross-head out of o erative position when said locking pin is so isengaged.

12. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, ofreciprocat'ing actuating mechanlsm therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance-with t eir actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter apredetermined resistance, of a cross-head, locking devices thereon, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the to a definite extent, a locklng pin normally holding said cross-head in operative osition, means to disengage the locking pin rom the cross-head, a tension device adapted to move said cross-head out of operative posi tion when said locking pin is so disengaged, and means operated by said actuating mechanism to return the cross-head into opera-' tive position. 13. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the lungers are operated in conso nance with t eir actuating mechanism ex-" cept when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, a cross-head, locking devices thereon, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the plungers are retracted to a definite extent, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in operative POSltion, a tripping baroperated by sald actuating mechanism, and connections to the locking pin including an abutment adapted to be moved into the path of the tri ping bar to enable the latter to o erate sai to disengage the pin rom the cross-head.

14. In a machine for loadin shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging vthe same whereby the lungers are operated in consonance with t eir actuating mechanism eccept when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, a cross-head, locking operative posilungers' are retracted its connections devices thereon, one for each plunger, adapted to operate when the plungcrs are retracted to a delinite extent, a locking-pin normally holding said cross-head in operative position, a tripping bar operated by said actuating mechanism, connectionsto the lock- 1 ing pin including an abutment adapted to be moved into the path of the tri )ping bar to enable the latter to operate said connections to disengage the pin from the cross-head, a tension dev'icc adapted to move said crosshead out of operative position when said locking pin is so disengaged and means operated by said actuating mechanism to return the cross-head to its operative position.

15, In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plunger-s, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the )lungers are operated in conso-- nanee with t ieir actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a qrcdetermincd resistance, of a cross-head ac apted to be interposed in the path of the plunger-s and move them forwardly with respect to their actuating mechanism, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in inoperative position, means to disengage the locking pin from the cross-head, and a tension device adapted to move said cross-head into operat1ve position when said locking pm is so disengaged.

16. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism. thereforyieldingly engaging the same whereby the plungers are operated in con sonance with their actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, of a cross-head adapted to be interposed in the path of the plungers and move them forwardly with respect to their actuating mechanism, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in inoperative position, means operated by said actuating mechanism to disengage the locking pin from the cross-head, and .a tension device adapted to move said cross-head into operative position when said locking pin is so disengaged.

17. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungcrs, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the plungers are operated in consonance with their actuating mechanism except when said. plungers encounter a predetermined resistance, of a cross-head adapted to be interposed in the path of the plungers and move them. forwardly with respect to. their actuating mechanism, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in ino erative position, means to disengage t e operative ')osition'when said locking pin is so disengaged, and means arranged to be operated by said actuating mechanism to return thecross-head into inoperative posi- ,tion. r

'18. In a machine for loading shells, the combinationwith a series of independent 'plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby theplungcrs areoperated in consonance with their actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a nodetermincd resistance, of a cross-head adapted to be interposed in the path of the plungcrs and movethem forwardly with respect to their actuating mechanism, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in inoperative position, a tripping bar operated by said actuating mechanism, connections to the locking pin including an abutment adapted to be moved into the path of the tripping bar to enable the latter to operate said connections to disengage the pin from the cross-head.

19. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby the plungers are operated in consonance with their actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a redetermined resistance, of a cross-head a apted to be interposed in the path of the plungers and move them forwardly with respect to their actuating mechanism, a locking pin normally holding said cross-head in inoperative position, a tripping bar operated by said actuating mechanism, connections to the locking pin including an abutment adapted to be moved into the path of the tripping bar to enable the latter to operate said connections todisengage the pin from the cross-head, a tension device adapted to move the cross-head into operative position when said locking pin is so disengaged, and means arranged to be operated by the actuating mechanism to return the cross-head to its ino erative position.

20. n .a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungcrs, of reciprocating actuating mechanism therefor yieldingly engaging the same whereby theplungers are operated in consonance with their actuating mechanism except when said plungers encounter a prede termincd resistance, of a cross-head, locking devices thereon, one for each plunger, adapt- ;edto o crate when the plungers are retracted to a efinite extent, a second cross-head adaptedto be interposed in the (path of the plungers and move them f0rwar ly with respect to their actuating mechanism, a looking pin normally holding the first cross-head in operative position, a second lockmg pin normally holding the second cross-head in shells into which the dynamite is loade inoperative position, means operated by said actuating mechanism to disengage both looking pi'ns from their cross-heads, and tension to move said cross-heads 2-1. In a machine for loading shells, .the combination with the rece tacle for the dynamite, and means for loa ing the dynamite contained therein into the shells, of a traveling conveyer adapted to convey d 'nam-ite to the receptacle, a shaft driving sai conveyer, a pulley on said shaft, the driving shaft, a clutch member and pulley loose on the driving shaft, a belt connecting said pulleys, a clutch member rotating with, but movable along, the driving shaft, a pressure cylinder, a plunger therein, a pivoted lever attached to said movable clutch member and said.

lun er, a ressure supply pi e leading to said ylindei' and a valve on saiil pi e. 22. In amachine for loading s ells, the combination with the drum for holding the shells into which the dynamite is loaded, o'f

shel s, a pressure cylinder, connections therefrom ada ted to turn said drum, a valve controlling t e admission of pressure fluid to said cylinder, and means to raise and lower the drum into and out of operative relation with said plungers and operate said valve.

23; In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the drum for holdin (I and shell-loading mechanism, of a ratchet on the drum shaft, a pawl adapted to operate the ratchet, a pressure cylinder, a lungertherein adapted to o erate said paw a valve controlling the a mission of fluid pressure to said cyinder, and means to raiseand lower the drum into and out of operative relation with said'shelleloading mechanism and operate said valve. 24. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the shell-holder and shell; loading mechanism, of vertically movable bars supporting the shell-holder, pressure cylinders, plungers therein connected with said bars, and equalizing mechanism connecting the bars. 25. In a machine for loadin loading mechanism, of vertically movable bars supporting the shell-holder, pressure cylinders, plungers therein connected with said bars, racks on said bars, a cross-shaft,

and gears on the cross-shaft engaging-said racks.

26. In a machine for loading shells the combination with the shell-holding drum and shell loading mechanism, of means to raise and lower the drum into and out of operative relation with the shell loading mechanism, means to turn the drum whenlo'wered, a device turning with the drum, and a locking reciprocating plungers adapted to load the the I shells, thecombination with the shell-hol er and shelldog interposed in the path of travel of said device and adapted to arrest said device and hold the drum from rotation, said dog being movable with the drum when the latteris raised.

27. In a machine for loading shells, the

combination with the shell-holding drum and shell-loading mechanism, of means to turn the drum, locking means adapted, when in normal position, topermit the drum to turn a predetermined distance and then hold it from further rotation, said locking means tending to move into operative position, a lever adapted to'hold the locking means out of its normal position, and devices moving with the drum, in the latters rotation, ada ted to operate said lever to release the locking means and permit it to move into normal position. t i

28. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the shell-holding drum and shell-loading mechanism, of means to raise and lower and turn the drum, of locking means adapted to permit" the drum, when lowered, to turn a predetermined distance and arrest its further turning movement, and to lock the drum from turnin when raised, a lever adapted to hold said ocking means out-of operative position, and devices, turning'with the drum, adapted to disengage said lever from said locking means.

29. In a machine for loading shells, the

combination with the shellholding drum and shell-loading mechanism, of means to turn the drum, locking means ada ted to stop the rotation of the drum and hol it from further rotation, means to lift the drum and thus move it into operative relation with the shellloading mechanism to enable the shells to be loaded while the drum is held from rotation, said locking meansbeing movable with the drum in the latters lifting movement, a device adapted to engage said locking means,

when the drum is lowered after the loading operation is completed, and withdraw the same from engagement with said drum, and

means turning with the drum to disengage said device from the locking means.

30. In a machine for loading shells, the

combination with the shell-holding drum and shell loadingmechanism, of means to turn the drum, a dogging bar, devices turn- .ing with the drum'adapted to engage the dogging bar, means to raise-the drum, and thus move the same into operative relatlon with the shell-loadingmechanism, a device adapted to withdraw and hold the dogging bar out of engagement when said drum is lowered, and pins turning with the drum adapted, in the latters rotation, to release the-dogging bar. v

31. In a machine for loading shells, the

combination with the shell-holding drum and shell loading mechanism, of means to turn the drum, a verticallymovable dogging bar, devices turning with the drum adapted to engage the dogging bar whereby the drum is stopped from further rotation and .held in the osition to which it is turned, means to li t the drum and dogging bar to brin the drumdnto o erative relation w th the s ell-loading mec anism, a lever adapted to disengage the dogging bar to permit the drum to turn, and

I r lever to hold the doggin bar outo lugs turning with the evlces turning with the drum to disengagesaid lever from the dogging bar and permit the latter to move into operative position.

32. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the drum for holding the shells into which the dynamite is loaded, of means to turn the drum, a dog ing bar, a

foperation, rum adapted to engage the do ging bar and pins turning with the drum adapted to move said lever to release the dogging bar, said lugs and pins arranged alternately about the axis of the wheel.

33.,In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the shell-holdlng drum, of means to turn the druin, a doubleawed vertically movable do ging bar, one of its jaws having a cam face, lugs on the drum ada ted to successively engage the cam face 0 the.

last-named jaw and thereby lift said do a limited distance, the other lug of the jaw Iremg adapted to-arrestthe movemen of said, lugs, thereb stopping the turn' \movement of sai drum, means to lift t e drum and dog, a in on said dog, a bell-crank lever, one arm 0 which is in line of movement of said pin as the dog moves vertically with the drum, means to llmit the movement in one 10a ed shells, of mechanism to operate the directiem of said bell-crank on its pivot, whereby the dog isarrested on the downward movement of thedrurn and the dog thereb disenga ed from the drum, and pins carrie by the rum, the other arm of said bell-crank lever being in line of travel of the 1 pins, whereby said bellscrank lever is 0 erated to release said dog and permit itto, rop

into locking engagement. v

34. In a machine for loading shells, the combmation with the bodily movable shellholder, shell-loading mechanism and folders ada ted to fold in the outer ends of the folders, means to raise the shell-holder into operative relation with the 'shell-loadin mechanism and. folders, and means operate the shell-holder raising means to control e operation of the folder actuating mechan- 35. In a machine for loading shells,the combination with the shell-holding drum, of

. folders adapted to fold in the outer ends of the shells, vertically movable bars carrying the shell-holding drum, mechanism to operate thefolders, and means" operated by the vdrum-raising means to control the operation of the folder actuating mechanism.

v 36.- In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the shell-holdlng drum, of

a pressure cylinder, a plunger operated thereby,-a folding bar operated by the plunger, a second foldmg bar, annular folders on the second foldin bar adapted to bend in the ends of the s ells, folding plungers on the first foldin bar adapted to extend within the annular fo ders and to complete the folding, cylinders secured to one of the folding bars, pistons working therein and secured to the other folding bar, and a pi e admitting fluid folders adapted to fold in the outer ends of the shells, a pressure cylinder, a plunger operated thereby and operating said folders, a valve controlling the, admission of pressure fluid to said cylinder, an arm on said valve, a leverconnected with said arm, means to raise the drum into operative relation with the folders, and a devlce arranged to be operated by the drum raising means to operate said lever 39. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with the shell-holding drum, of folders adapted 'to fold in the ends of the shells, a pressure cylinder and plunger to advance the folders, a. re'ssure. cylinder and plun er to retract the olders, means to raise the rum into 0 erative relation with the folders, devices a apted to admit fluid, pressure to the first named cylinder, a tri ping lever arranged to be operated by the rumraising ineansto cause said devlces to oper ate, and means operated in the advance of.

the folders tomove said tripping leverout of operative position.

'40. In a. machine for loading shells, the

combination with the shell-holding drum, of folders. adapted 'to foldin the ends of the shells, a pressure cylinder and plunger to advance the folders, a res'sure cylinder and plun er to retract the olders, means to raise the rum fiintgoperative relzlrtion with the folders, a ui ressur supp y ipe, a-pipe leading to the fiistnamed cylinder, a valve adapted to connect said pi c with either said supply or the exhaust, an devices operated the drum-raising means to cause said Vance the folders, a

I j leading to the valve to move to open communication from the source said p1 e.

of fluid pressure supply pipe to 41., n'a machine for loadin shells, the

combination with the shell-holding drum, of

folders adapted to fold inv the ends of the shells, a pressure cylinder and plunger to adplun er to retract the olders, means to raise the rum into operative relation with the fo'lders, a fluid ressuresupply ipe, a pipe st-named cylinder, a valve adapted to connect said pipe with either said -means, devices. 0 eratedby the tripping lever .to move said va ve to open communication folders, a-fluid pressure su leading therefrom to. the

tween said pipe and t e exhaust. 42." In a machine for-loadin supply or the exhaust, a tripping lever arranged to be operated by the drum-raising from the source of fluid pre's sure su ply to said plpe, a disen aginglever operated in the advance of the f0 ders-to move said tripping -lever out-of o erative position, and means to 1move said va ve to 0 en communication be-' with either said supply or the exhaust, a. .trippmglever arranged to be operatedbythe' drum-raising means, devices operated by the.

tripping. lever. to. move. said valve to open communication from the source of fluid ressure sup ly .to said pipe a disen a in ever .operated in the advance of thg E01 ers to move sald tri ping lever out of, operative position, a thin cylindercommumcating' with: said pipe. and a plu'n er therein'conneoted' with said devices-an adapted to restore them. to their initial position, thereby moving the-valve to open communication fromthe said pipe to the exhaust.

43. In a mach for loading shells; the combination withthe-holderforthe shells, of

folders ada ted to cIose the outer-ends of the z shells, a cy inder and plunger toadvance the folders, devices adapted to connect the cylinder with-either the supply or exhaust, drum- Y elevating means, atripplng lever actuated by the drum-elevating means-to operate said devices tocause-themjo admit pressure to the first cylinder and means operated in the ad- 1 yance of the folders to disengage the tripping lever from said devices. L

44. In a machine. for loading shells, the combination with a shell holder, of folders 'ada. ted to close the outerends .of the shells,

' a cy inder andplunger to advance the folders,

devices adapted to control the admission of pressure fluid to said cylinder, means "for ressure cylinder and adapted to fold-in the; endsiof the holding said devices in position to admit fluid,

and means operated in the advance of'the folders to release-said holding means topermit said devices to shut'oflthe-supply-of pressure fluid to said cylinder.

.45. In a"machine for loading shells,.-the combination with a shell holder, of folders ada ted to close the outer ends oftheshells, a cy inder and plunger to advance the folders, a cylinder and plunger means to retract the folders, devices adapted to control the ad- -mission ofpressure fluid -to the cylinder,

means for holding said devices in position to admit fluid,;mea'ns operated in the: advance of the folders to release said holdingmeans to permit said devices to shut off the supply of fluid to-the' cylinder, a second cylinder communicating with the first cylinder, and a plunger operated by the second cylinder adapted to so operate said devices.

46. In a shel nation with the shell h'clder, the shell-loadin devices and their actuating-mechanism, an means to unlock. said devices to permit them to be operated by their actuating mechanism,

of a vertically movable trough into whichthe loadin' machine, the combi-- loaded shells are discharged, mechanism connected with'and adapted to raise said trough, and a common control device connected respectively with said unlocking means and said trough raising mechanism wherebythe trough is raised during the loading operation.

.47. In a shell-loadin machine, the combination with the shell-ho der andshell-loading mechanism, of means to raise and lower the shell-holder into andout of o erative relationwith the shell-loading mec anism, a vertically movable trou h into which the loaded shells are discharge mechanism connected with and adapted to raise said trou h, and a common control device. connecte respectively with said drum raising means and said trough-raising mechanism whereby the W trough is raised while the drum is in opera- .tiver'ela-tionwith the;shellloading mechan- .1sm.- 48. .Ina shelleloadin machine, the combination with the shell-ho der, the shell-loadin devices and their actuating mechanism, an .means-tounlock said devices to permit them to be operated by their actuating mechanism,

.of a vertically movable trou h into which the loaded shells are discharge a; cylinder and i'ston controllingthe operation of said un-. li'icking means, a second cylinder and piston .andconnections therefrom to the. trough whereby thelatter is raised, and a common controldevice for admitti'n and exhausting fluid ressure to saidcylin ers whereby the trougli is raised during. the loading operation. 49. In a shell loading machine, the conibknation with the shell holder'and shell loading mechanism, of means to raise. andlowerthe shell-holder into and. t Din emtive r618? 1 I tion with theshell-loading mec anism, a cyltacle and 10a combination with the rece tacle inder and piston b which the shell-holder is raised, a vertical y movable trough into which the loaded shells are discharged, a second cylinder and piston and connections therefrom to the trough whereb the latter is raised, and a common control evice for admitting and exhausting fluid ressure to said 0 linders whereby the trough is raised during the loading operation.

50. In a shell loadin machine, the combination with the 'shellolder and the shell loading mechanism, means to turn the shellholder while the shell-loading mechanism is inactive, devices controlling the discharge of the loaded shells, a trough into which the loaded shells so discharged are received, a cylinder and plunger, means controlling'the admission of fluid pressure to the plunger, and connections from the lunger to the trough adapted to lift the atter from its shell-receivmg position when the plunger is actuated by fluid pressure admitted to'the cylinder.

51. In a shell loading machine, the combination with a revolving shell holding drum, of a vertically movable trough into which the shells are discharged, a pivoted frame supporting the trough, a cross-bar, links connectmg the cross-bar and pivoted frame, a plunger connected with the cross-bar, and a fluid pressure cylinder operating said plunger.

52. .In a shell loading machine, the combination with a revolving drum, of shuttles thereon comprising two parts extending in the direction of the drum axis and containin complementary shell receptacles, one of sai arts being hinged, a cam lever to close the inged'part, a relatively fixed cam adapted in t e rotation of the drum to move said cam lever into inoperative position a lug on thebin ed part, and a second fixed cam adapted in t e rotation'of the drum to engage said lug and open the bin ed art.

53. In a machine or oading shells, the

or the dynamite, ofa shell-holder be ow the receptacle, plungers ada teal to work through the recept e in into the shells, o the receptacle, respectivel behind the plungers an fingers thereon clearing the front and rear faces of'the plun-' gers and workin between them.

54. In a mac 'ne for-loading shells, the combination with the receptacle for "the dynamite, of a shell-holder below the rece tacle, plungers ada ted to work through t e receptacle and 10a the dynamite contained therein into the shells, of rotatable crossshafts in the receptacle, respectively in front of and behind the plungers and fingers thereon clearing the front and rear faces. of the rotatable cross-shafts in in front of and plun ers, and having projections clearing the side aces of the plun ers.

55. In a machine or loading shells, the

dfynamite contained therecombination with the receptacle for the dynamite, of a shell-holder below the rece tacle, plungers ada ted to work through t e receptacle and 10a the dynamite contained therein into 'the shells, of rotatable crossshafts in the receptacle, respectively in front of and behind the plungers and fingerathere- -on clearing the front and rear faces of the plungers, alternate fingers on each shaft be- 7 mg arranged on opposite sides thereof.

56.,In a mach ne for loading shells, the

combination with the receptacle for the pins therein, one for each plunger, adapted to engage their respective plungers when the 1 latter are raised to bring their orifices in line with said pins, and means to move the crosshead laterall thereby disengaging said pins from their p on ers.

58. In a masiine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, actuating mechanism therefor mcluding means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechan sm when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for' each lunger to hold it out of action when the she I has been filled, mechanism to disengage the locking devices from the plungers, a pressure cylinder and lunger controllin the operation of said mechanism, a shell-ho ding drum adapted to be raised into operative relation with the plun ers, a cylinder and 'plunger for raising the rum, a source of pressure supgly, pi e connections to each cylinder, an a va ve adapted .to be operated to ad mt pressure to both cylinder 59. In a 'machine for loading shells, the

combination withv a series of independent p1ungers,.actuating mechanism therefor 1n; eluding means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechan sm when encountering .a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each' lunger to hold it out of action when the she I has been filled, means .to depress the plun ers when unlocked,to a common level, mec anism to disengage said locking devices and render said leveling means operative, a ressure cylinder and plunger controllin t e operat1on of said mechanism, a shel -hold1ng drum adapted to be raised into operative relation with the plungers, a cylinder and plunger for raising the drum, a source of pressure supply, pipe connections to each cylinder, and a valve adapted tobe operated to admit pressure to both cylinders.

60. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, actuating mechanism therefor including means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechanism when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each plunger to hold it out of action when the shell has been filled, mechanism to disengage the locking devices from the plungers, a pressure cylinder and plunger controlling the operation of said mechanism, a shell-holding drum.adapt ed to be raised into operative relation with the plungers, a cylinder and plunger for raising the drum, a delivery trough to receive the loaded shells, a cylinder and plunger to raise said delivery trough, pipe connections to each cylinder, a source of pressure supply, and a valve adapted to be operated to admit pressure to all the cylinders.

61. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, actuating mechanism therefor in cluding means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechanism when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each plunger to hold it out of action when the shell has been filled, means to depress the plungers when unlocked, to a common level,lmechanism to disengage said locking devices and render said leveling means operative, a pressure cylinder and plunger controlling the operation of said mechanism, a shell-holding drum adapted to be raised into operative relation with the plungers, a cylinder and plunger for raising the drum, a delivery trough to receive the loaded shells, a cylinder and plunger to raise said delivery trough, pipe connections to each cylinder, a source of pressure supply, and a valve adapted to be operated to admit pressure to all the cylinders.

62. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, actuating mechanism therefor including means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechanism when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each lunger to hold it out of action when the shell as been filled, mech anism to disengage the locking devices from the plungers, a pressure cylinder and plunger controllin the operation of said mechanism, a shel -holding drum adapted to be raised into operative relation with the plungers, a cylinder and plunger for raising the drum, pipe connections to each cylinder, a

source of pressure supply, a valve adapted to be operated to admit pressure to all the cylinders, a folder to fold the ends of the loaded shells, a'cylinder and plunger to operate the folder, and mechanism arranged to be operated by the drum when raised to cause the pressure fluid to actuate the last named plunger.

63.'In. a machine for loadingshells, the

combination with a series of independentger controlling the operation of said mechanism, a shell-holding drum adapted to be raised into operative relation with the plungers, a cylinder and plunger for raising the 'drum, pipe connections to each cylinder, a

source of pressure supply, a valve adapted to be operated to admit.pressure to all the cylinders, a folder to fold the ends of the loaded shells, a cylinder and plunger to operate the folder, and mechanism arranged to be operated by the drum when'raised to cause the pressure fluid to actuate the last named plunger, a cylinder and plunger to render the folder inoperative, and a valve arranged to be operated by the folder to shut off pressure fluid to the cylinder controlling the operation of the folder.

64. In a machine for loading shells, the combination with a series of independent plungers, actuating mechanism therefor 1ncluding means enabling each plunger to move relatively to said actuating mechanism when encountering a predetermined resistance, a locking device for each plunger to hold it out of action when theshell has been filled,

means to depress the plungers when unlocked,

to a common level, mechanism to disengage said locking. devices and render said leveling means operative, a shell-holding drum, mechanism to raise the drum into operative relation with the plun ers, a folder to fold in the ends of the loade( shells, fluid pressure devices controlling the operation of said mechanism, drum and folder, and a common valve by means of which the operation of sald fluid pressure devices is primarily controlled.

In testimony of which invention, I have hereunto set my hand, at Paulsboro, N. J on this 26th day of November, 1906.

WILLIAM I; DONALDSON.

Witnesses:

ERNEST REDFIELD, Tnos. W. BAOOHUS. 

